In an unexpected turn of events on Sunday, the Indiana Pacers had one of the most stellar shooting halves in the 77-year history of the NBA during a road Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Despite falling behind 2-0 in the series, the Pacers managed to secure a 130-109 victory, eliminating the New York Knicks and advancing to the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Coach Rick Carlisle proudly labeled his team as the “uninvited guests” after pulling off a historic Game 7 win at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, who had previously struggled in New York during the series, made a powerful comeback by contributing 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Haliburton’s remarkable performance included drilling four 3-pointers in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for the Pacers’ dominance in the game. His relentless energy and determination fueled his team’s confidence and momentum, pushing them towards a historic victory.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electrifying, especially with Knicks forward OG Anunoby’s unexpected return from a right hamstring injury. However, it became evident early on that Anunoby’s health was a concern, as he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. The Pacers capitalized on his vulnerability, attacking him right from the start and putting him in a compromising position. Anunoby’s brief appearance did not live up to the hype, as he was forced to leave the game after less than five minutes due to his physical limitations.
The Pacers delivered an unprecedented shooting display, setting a new record for the highest field goal percentage in a playoff game in NBA history. With an overall shooting percentage of 67.1%, Indiana’s offensive prowess left the Knicks reeling. Players like Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner showcased their scoring abilities with remarkable ease, shooting an incredible 76.3% in the first half alone. The Pacers’ offensive efficiency and precision were unmatched, solidifying their victory and making a profound statement in NBA history.
As the Knicks attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, Pacers’ reserve guard T.J. McConnell played a pivotal role in regaining control of the game. McConnell’s poise and playmaking skills helped the Pacers weather the storm, as he forced turnovers, provided assists, and scored critical baskets to halt the Knicks’ momentum. His presence on the court was instrumental in steering the Pacers towards a decisive victory, showcasing his value as a key player in crucial moments.
While injuries may have impacted the Knicks’ performance throughout the series, the Pacers displayed resilience and determination, emerging as deserving victors. Despite being heavy underdogs in the upcoming series against the Boston Celtics, the Pacers’ historic win at Madison Square Garden solidified their status as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers’ remarkable shooting display, coupled with individual performances from players like Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell, exemplified their unwavering spirit and determination to succeed in the face of adversity.
Leave a Reply